Kashu-juku Noh Theater

Japan Society

Encounter the theater form developed and preserved since the 14th century! Kyoto-based Kashu-juku Noh Theater, led by Katayama Shingo of the prestigious Katayama noh family, is joined by kyogen actors from the Shigeyama family in providing this rare opportunity for American audiences to experience the 600-year-old tradition of noh and kyogen performed back-to-back. The program includes:

Battle Scene from YashimaLiterally meaning “dance & music,” a mai-bayashiis a solo dance depicting the climax of a noh play. This program features the ferocious battle scene from Yashima. Boshibari (Tied to a Pole) Tied up by their master, two servants are thwarted in drinking his sake in this kyogen drama. How will the two rascals get a hold of their beloved beverage again?

Aoi no Ue (Lady Aoi)In this famous noh adaptation of a story from the classic novel The Tale of Genji, the jealous Lady Rokujo – who had sent a spirit to possess Genji’s wife, Aoi – is confronted in combat by a Buddhist monk intent on saving her soul.